TORONTO, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - July 30, 2009) - After a marathon bargaining session lasting almost two days, Toronto Civic Employees Union Local 416 CUPE has achieved a memorandum of agreement and return-to-work protocol with the city of Toronto.

Members of the local will vote on ratification of the tentative agreement on Thursday, July 30 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Ontario Federation of Labour Building, 15 Gervais Drive, Toronto.

"The last two days have been grueling and necessary to ensure our members return to work with collective agreement protection," said Local 416 President Mark Ferguson. In an unorthodox move, the union has agreed that, should the majority of members vote to ratify, they will return to work on Friday morning prior to ratification by Toronto City Council.

"We had to know that our members would continue to be protected under their old agreement until the new one is fully ratified by both parties."

The protocol also secures the work of Local 416 members and ensures that they can perform the major part of the city clean-up in an orderly and efficient manner, he said.

"We understand that this long strike has been difficult for the public, as it has for our members," Ferguson said. "Our early return to work and quick clean-up is one way we can thank Toronto residents for their patience.

"That said, we fully expect city council to act in good faith and ratify the agreement."

Ferguson will be available for media comment following the tabulation of results at approximately 7:30 p.m. on July 30 at the Ontario Federation of Labour building, 15 Gervais Drive, Toronto.